MOUSING AND KVKXIXc; PARTIES. 2G7 



If the party be of a small and social kind, and those games called by 

 the French les jeux innocents are proposed, do not object to join in th 

 when invited. It may be that they demand some slight exercise of wit 

 and readiness, and that you do not feel yourself calculated to shine in 

 them ; but it is better to seem dull than disagreeable, and those who are 

 obliging can always n'nd some clever neighbour to assist them in the 

 moment of need. The game of "consequences " is one which unfortunately 

 gives too much scope to liberty of expression. If you join in this gain.-. 

 Mimot too earnestly enjoin you never to write down one word which 

 tin- most pure-minded woman present might not read aloud without a 

 blush. Jests of an equivocal character are not only vulgar, but con- 

 temptible. 



Impromptu charades are frequently organized at friendly parties. 

 Unless you have really some talent for acting and some readiness of speech,, 

 you should remember that you only put others out and expose your own 

 inability by taking part in these entertainments. Of course, if } r our help 

 ally nee. led and you would disoblige by refusing, you must do your 

 bj and by doing it as quietly and coolly as possible, avoid being awk- 

 ward or ridiculous. 



Should an impromptu polka or quadrille be got up after supper at a 



party where no dancing was intended, be sure not to omit putting on 



es before you stand up. It is well always to have a pair of white 



gloves in your pocket in case of need ; but even black are better under 



circumstances than none. 



Even though you may take no pleasure in cards, some knowledge of the 

 uette and rules belonging to the games most in vogue is necessary to 

 you in society. 



Never let even politeness induce you to play for high stake- 1/i [uette 

 is th. minor morality of life ; but it never should be allowed to outweigh 

 tli- higher code u}' right and wron^. 



erupulous to observe silence when any of the company an- playing 

 IJemember that they are doing this for the amuM-iu'-nt uf the 

 .-1 that tu talk at Midi a time i- as ill-bivd as if you were to turn 

 your back upon a person who was talking to you, and begin a COIIY. : 

 tiun with xmirone else. 



It' y>u an your performer, ln-ar in mind that in mu-ie, as in 



be soul of \\-ir." Two veraefl fa song, or four pages 

 piece, are at all tim-s riiou^h to give pleasure. If your audi< 

 desire more they will ask for it; and it is infinitely more Mattering to !., 

 encored than to receive the thank- ..f your 1. , >[ so much in LTI 



